Upson County approves several moratorium exemptions allowing administrative land splits with minimum frontage and acreage conditions

The Upson County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 28 voted to allow several applicants to proceed with administrative subdivision reviews or simple property splits despite a temporary moratorium established by Resolution 14Dot2025.

The board approved an exemption for Parcel 031045 (2153 Hannah—s Mill Road) allowing William Michael Russell to split 10 acres from a larger tract and enter the administrative subdivision process. The board clarified the approval allows the applicant to "enter into the process" and that administrative review and any required plat changes would be handled by planning staff before final administrative approval.

Steve Hudson received approval to split roughly 3.8–3.9 acres from his 238-acre Old Alabama Road parcel to give to his son, subject to a condition that the new lot have at least 300 feet of road frontage and be three acres or larger. Franklin (Frank) Martin, who said he is 70 and in declining health, was allowed to sell 10.5 acres from a 14-acre tract while keeping the home parcel; he provided survey figures showing 375 feet of frontage on the retained parcel and about 450 feet on the portion to be sold. The board again required a minimum of 300 feet of frontage and a minimum lot size of three acres for that approval.

Cal Garrison asked to subdivide about 3.4 acres from two Crest Highway parcels and to adjoin the remainder to an adjacent tract. The board approved that separation with the same minimums and asked planning staff to review the final survey and ensure the remaining acreage would be combined as described.

One applicant for Parcel 037022 on Pogue City Road withdrew the request and said she would refile at a later meeting.

Board members repeatedly described these approvals as permission to enter the administrative review or to perform a "simple split" rather than full final plats; the planning office will require standard survey and plat details and will sign off administratively if requirements are met. No new roads or infrastructure were proposed as part of the approved splits.

Commissioners described the approvals as consistent with the county—s ordinance pathway for family and hardship splits, but said applicants must meet minimum frontage and acreage standards before administrative approval.

Motions carried by roll call for each item; staff will process the plats and request any necessary corrections before administrative approval is finalized.